The 2022-23 NBA season was an odd one for the Memphis Grizzlies. Some would call it a success. The Grizzlies won a lot of games. Somehow, their performance was overshadowed. This team was the subject of much controversy last season.
Two players generated most of it: Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks. Obviously, Morant is irreplaceable to the Grizzlies. He’s their franchise player. On the other hand, Brooks can be replaced. Perhaps that’s why the Grizzlies let him sign with the Houston Rockets this summer.
That’s fine. Brooks may be replaceable. The Grizzlies still need to replace him. Brooks is one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. Nobody on this current Grizzlies roster fits that description. Could they change that by acquiring OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2028 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F OG Anunoby
By contrast, there was minimal drama surrounding the Raptors. Sure, there have been rumors that Anunoby isn’t happy with his role – but they never rose above a murmur. Otherwise, it felt like everyone was getting along.
They just weren’t winning. That’s why the Raptors have been the subject of much scrutiny. This situation doesn’t feel explosive. It just feels…done. The Raptors have plenty of justification if they want to trigger a rebuild.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
On the other hand, that doesn’t require them to move Anunoby. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuilding process. The Raptors could justify keeping him. Still, for the right price, they could consider parting with him. Is this the right price?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We think so. Although, it’s not the type of package that Toronto allegedly expects for Anunoby. Allegedly, this team has turned down as many as four unprotected first-round picks for their star wing. On the other hand, the Raptors may have learned a hard lesson about holding onto their players in recent years.
Brooks wasn’t the only free agent that the Rockets poached this summer. They also signed Fred VanVleet. The Raptors lost him for nothing. They lost Kyle Lowry for nothing before him. Meanwhile, Anunoby’s contract extension is looming. The Raptors can’t afford to watch him walk without receiving anything in return.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They’re receiving plenty here. Clarke is a versatile defensive big who’s young enough to be part of their rebuild. Williams has star upside. Throw in a pair of unprotected firsts and a swap, and this should be market value for one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. Should the Grizzlies pay market value for Anunoby?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Anunoby is one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. That’s why the Grizzlies do this deal. At the moment, they’ve got a desperate need for his services.
With that said, they’re not strictly replacing Brooks here. Anunoby would be a sizeable upgrade. Unlike Brooks, he’s a reliable floor spacer. Meanwhile, if Brooks is a top 5 wing defender in this league, Anunoby is in the top 1 or 2. He’d be joining Jaren Jackson Jr. to form potentially the best defense in the league.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies can part with the pieces they’re losing here. This contending team may never find proper playing time for Williams. Xavier Tillman and Steven Adams render Clarke expendable. If the Grizzlies acquire Anunoby, they should have a successful 2023-24 season: in everyone’s eyes.
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